UEFA have insisted that they remain confident of thwarting future attempts to create a European Super League after losing a momentous court case on Thursday morning.
The European governing body and FIFA fought tooth and nail to prevent teams from joining the breakaway ESL, which was launched by 12 founding clubs in April 2021.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all signed up to the plans, which were heavily condemned by players, pundits and supporters.
The six Premier League clubs to commit to the European Super League all faced intense demonstrations outside stadiums, while a portion of Man United fans even managed to storm the Old Trafford pitch in a protest against the Glazer family, forcing the postponement of a match against Liverpool.
Due to the unforeseen fan backlash, clubs began dropping out one by one over the course of a few days, although Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus continued to voice their support for a Super League.
© Reuters
Juventus then quit the project in the summer due to fear of expulsion from Serie A, and clubs were also threatened with similar sanctions by FIFA and UEFA, who were taken to the European Court of Justice by the ESL and its backers A22 Sports.
The ECJ has now ruled that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully in their bid to stop clubs from pushing forward with the ESL project by threatening to kick them out of competitions, offering renewed hope of a breakaway league in the future.
In a statement, UEFA insisted that the ECJ's decision was not an "endorsement" for the vilified European Super League and merely highlighted a "pre-existing shortfall" within their framework, which they claim had been addressed last year.
"UEFA takes note of the judgment delivered today by the ECJ in the European Super League case," the governing body said. "This ruling does not signify an endorsement or validation of the so-called 'super league'.
"It rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022. UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations.
© Reuters
"UEFA remains resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sports model collectively with national associations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners alike.
"We trust that the solidarity-based European football pyramid that the fans and all stakeholders have declared as their irreplaceable model will be safeguarded against the threat of breakaways by European and national laws."
UEFA also confirmed that a press conference would be held 1.00pm GMT, while A22 are also due to address the media later on Thursday to discuss the significant decision.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have already applauded the court's decision, with Blancos president Florentino Perez hailing the ruling as a "great day for the history of football".
Meanwhile, Barcelona expressed their "satisfaction" and re-emphasised their intentions to oppose the "monopoly" within European and world football.
